10...9...8...7...tomorrow, we will have lift-off!
Granny Rainbow is going to be launched in the presence of around 50 friends and family in the upstairs room of a small French Deli in my home town. I'm delighted that the whole team is going to be there - publisher, printer, illustrator and cover designer - to promote both local business and local talent.
Food is ordered, competition and prize sorted, props packed, books ready...but in spite of all the careful planning, I'M SCARED.
From tomorrow, real people - some who know me and others who are complete strangers - will be able to read and judge Granny Rainbow.
And by way of connection, judge me.
I know there's a very real possibility that some readers will not enjoy my book; I hope I can be strong enough to listen to critical feedback and not let it affect my authorly confidence overly much. (Because we all know writers have fragile confidences at the best of times, convinced as they are that one day they've written a masterpiece only to realise the next that the same work is actually a steaming pile of manure and fit only to feed the roses.)
Equally, if I receive any positive feedback, I hope I don't get lulled into a false sense of security and become complacent in what I write in the future. Whilst it's lovely and very affirming to receive compliments, I can't ever allow myself to forget that it takes hard work and commitment to get the writing to that stage.
Whatever happens after tomorrow, I'll still be glad I've got Granny out into the world.
If you read the book yourself, feel free to let me know what you think. I'm now on Goodreads as an author so you can post reviews there, or you can mail me direct via the contact page on my website
What's that? You've not bought the book yet? Then just click here to purchase...
Congratulations! I can relate to your words as this is just how I felt when I published my first book. I remember handing the book to friends and saying 'you don't have to actually read it' lol. It dawned on me also the day before the launch that people would actually be reading my words. I was ok on the day then nervous again the following day. I soon realised that my fear was that of being criticised. That fear soon passed though. I do recommend taking a couple of days off after a launch as it can be quite an emotional roller-coaster can't it ... Good luck! I am sure the launch will be fabulous! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kama - I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way! And as for days off - doing something completely different on Sunday and spending the day at the Big Bang Exhibition with the family... x
DeleteHere's hoping Granny gathers a mega fan club!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Spi!
DeleteWe'll always be open to judgement.
ReplyDeleteBe free of fear and bring the enthusiasm that I know you have about this little treasure.
This is your moment.
Enjoy it.
And be proud of it.
Bless you, Flick - thank you! If my enthusiasm is only half of yours, I'll be OK x
Delete